NEED TO KNOW:
Score: Piedmont 78, Averett 63
Records: Piedmont, 19-7; Averett, 18-9
 
DEMOREST, Ga. – The Piedmont College women's basketball team rallied from an eight-point second-half deficit to advance past Averett, 78-63, in the USA South Tournament Quarterfinals on Saturday afternoon in Cave Arena.
 
With the score tied heading into the final 10 minutes, Piedmont (18-8) scored 25 points in the final period to pull away with the victory.
 
NAKIYAH WASHINGTON (23), AMARI PRICE (19) and EMILY WILEY (19) led the way for the Lady Lions as the team's only double figure scorers. PC's starters scored 74 of the team's 78 points.
 
The Lady Lions raced out to a double-digit lead at 15-4 midway through the opening quarter and led 22-9 after the first 10 minutes.
 
After Piedmont opened the second on a 7-2 run to take a 29-11 lead on Price's layup, the Cougars stormed back into the contest, outscoring PC, 28-5, over the final eight minutes of the half to take a 39-34 lead into the break.
 
Averett continued the momentum into the third quarter, taking a 45-37 lead after a three-pointer by Kiara Smith. However, the Lady Lions clawed back into the contest and the game entered the final period knotted up at 53-all.
 
PC never trailed in the fourth quarter as it started the period on an 11-0 run and never looked back on its way to the USA South Tournament Semifinals.
 
Piedmont will travel to Berea, Kentucky and will battle No. 1 seed in the East Division William Peace on Saturday at 3 p.m.
 
TURNING POINT:
- In a game that was back-and-forth throughout, the Lady Lions' 11-0 run to open the fourth quarter proved to be the difference.
 
STANDOUT PERFORMANCES:
- AMARI PRICE was in complete control, scoring 19 points to go with eight assists and five steals.
- Freshman guard EMILY WILEY also added 19 points and three three-pointers.
- NAKIYAH WASHINGTON battled back from a tough first half to lead all players with 23 points. The freshman from Adairsville, Georgia nearly accrued a triple-double, with eight rebounds and eight steals.
 
INSIDE THE BOX SCORE:
- Piedmont forced 25 Averett turnovers and converted them into 31 points.
 
NEWS AND NOTES:
- The win marks the fifth straight season in which the Lady Lions have advanced to the USA South Tournament Semifinals.
 
HOW TO FOLLOW:
- To stay up to date on all information regarding Piedmont College Athletics, be sure to visit PiedmontLions.com and connect with the Green and Gold on social media. Follow the Lions on Twitter: @PiedmontLions, Instagram: @PiedmontLions, and Facebook. To follow each Piedmont athletic program on social media, use the Social Media Directory at PiedmontLions.com or click here.